SHENANDOAH — The Shenandoah Valley school board held its reorganization meeting Wednesday that included a change in one position.

Secretary Karen Kayes was selected as president pro-tem before she asked for nominations. The only nomination for board president was Daniel Salvadore, who was retained in the position unanimously.

The change was in the vice president position, which was held by Helene Creasy, who requested not to be considered for re-election due to personal commitments. Nominated and elected as vice president was Joseph Buchanan.

The school board retained Robert E. Matta as solicitor and approved the 2019 meeting schedule, with regular meetings to continue to be at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month.

The regular meeting was held immediately after the reorganization with the board acting on these items:

• Accepted the resignation of Creasy as school district representative on Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29/Schuylkill Technology Center board, and approved Buchanan as new representative.

•Approved tenure for elementary life skills teacher Maricia Buhl.

•Approved these teachers for the Schuylkill County Guest Teacher Program/Emergency Certification list: Diane Kraft and Raymond Osterman.

•Approved memorandum of understanding for professional development between the district and Lehigh-Carbon Community College.

•Accepted a letter of resignation from mathematics teacher Noelle Stidham. The resignation will go into effect on Jan. 18, or before if a replacement is hired. The motion also approved posting and advertising the position.

•Approved a $100 donation to the Light Up the Park project of the Greater Shenandoah Area Chamber of Commerce.

•Approved commercial package excess liability insurance coverage provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. at a cost of $59,599.

· Accepted a letter of resignation from girls’ softball coach Maricia Buhl and approved the posting and advertising of the position.

· Approved retroactively Cassandra Foresman as assistant cook and approved the posting for snack assistant for five hours daily.

· Approved retroactively an agreement for transportation of students to Schuylkill Technology Center campuses for 2018-19 school year as follows: North, $45 per diem; South, $225 per diem.

· Approved bus stop at 105 Mount Olive Blvd., William Penn, until further action of the board, effective Dec. 6.

· Approved retroactively the boys’ basketball coaching staff: Robert Miller, head varsity coach; Thomas Erbe, assistant varsity coach; Joseph Conley, head junior varsity coach; Mark Kufrovich, volunteer coach; John Gower, head ninth-grade coach; and Sean Jones, head junior high coach.

The school board also approved the adjustment of football coaching salaries. Each assistant coach at high and junior high school levels will receive $292.85 of the strength coach salary. The two junior high assistants will split one junior high school assistant coach salary.

· Head football coach: Kevin J. Keating, $5,450.

· Varsity assistant football coaches: Kevin R. Keating, Mick Jacavage, Jeff Jacavage, Steve Karvois and John Szczyglak, $3,542.85 each.

· Junior high head coach: Joey Kayes, $2,550.

· Junior high assistant coaches: Leo Kayes and Dakota Rakus, $1,567.85 each.

· Equipment manager: Javier Barrientos, $1,050.

The first snow make-up day will be held Jan. 21.

During his report, Superintendent Brian Waite congratulated these students being named to the county band and one also named to the district orchestra:

· Schuylkill County Band: Krysta Welna, Rylea Gaverick, Jackie Bubnis, Lena Bell, Megan Bell, Kaitlyn Karpovich, Kathy Selbi, Sean James and Eddie Needham.

· District Band and Orchestra: Kaitlyn Karpovich.

These elementary students were recognized as students of the month:

4K, Aubree Troutman; kindergarten, Harper Munley; first grade, Brigitte Zamudio Carmen; second grade, Giana Troutman; third grade, Gianna Donovan; fourth grade, Jayden Mulkusky; fifth grade, Lucero Zavala Perez; sixth grade, Dante Garcia.

October Shenandoah Rotary Club Student of the Month senior Katilyn Hepler was recognized.

The school board will not meet at the end of December.

Contact the writer: jusalis@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6023

FOUNTAIN SPRINGS — The North Schuylkill School District is ready to implement a program in January that will provide an anonymous reporting of dangerous, violent and other activities or threats in the school.

The Safe2Say Something program was created through the enactment of Act 44 of 2018 by the Pennsylvania General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf. Safe2Say will be a 24/7 anonymous tip line for school safety and is administered by the state attorney general as of Jan. 14. Information received will be forwarded to the affected school entity and law enforcement.

The attorney general’s office must train law enforcement, school entities and emergency dispatch centers, and must establish guidelines for schools in responding to reports and develop procedures for assessing and responding to reports.

District Superintendent Robert Ackell provided an update to the school board at Wednesday’s meeting.

“A team of administrators attended a day in Harrisburg to train on a platform that will roll out across the commonwealth Jan. 14 called Safe2Say Something,” Ackell said. “It is a tip line to report any kind of harm a student or an adult may be aware of. It can be a student cutting himself, a bomb threat, a school shooting. We are trained as a district, and we are responsible to train all our students fifth to 12th grade. We will probably do it the week of Jan. 14. Tips go directly to the attorney general’s office, and, if it is a life-threatening situation, (they) will direct it to 911 and the district to act on it immediately. If it’s not life-threatening, such as bullying, it comes directly to the district; we deal with that.”

The board acted on these agenda items:

• Approved Siobhan White and Amanda Brobst as teachers for ACHIEVE after-school program at $22 per hour.

• Approved hiring Bridget McDonald as substitute Pennsylvania Information Management System coordinator on an as-needed basis for the remainder of school year at $20 per hour.

• Approved two-year agreement with Diversified Treatment Alternative Centers LLC, Milton, effective for DTAC’s Partial Hospitalization Programs, Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services, Abuse Resolution and Recovery Treatment Services, and Extended Evaluation Services. DTAC was formerly Behavioral Specialists Inc.

• Approved 2018-19 school calendar revision necessitated by a weather cancellation on Nov. 16.

• Approved the 2019-20 school calendar.

• Approved sub-recipient letter of agreement with Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13 for the school year.

• Approved School Emergency Operations Plan-North Schuylkill School District Multi-Hazard Plan in conjunction with Schuylkill County Emergency Management Agency.

• Approved contracts for transportation of school students to Schuylkill Technology Center campuses for the 2018-19 school year as follows: North, $94 per diem; South, $159 per diem.

• Approved retroactively a field trip request from science teacher Samantha White to Sterman Masser Inc. Potato Farms, Sacramento, for “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing” video on Nov. 20.

• Approved retention of law firm of Sweet, Stevens, Katz and Williams for special education law matters.

• Approved retention of Anthony Urban Law Offices, P.C. for general school law matters and solicitor services.

In extracurricular programs, the board approved the following appointments and salaries for the 2019 fall season, pending receipt of all appropriate documentation:

• John Cuthie as head golf coach, $4,050.

• Frank Briggs as head cross country coach, $3,200.

• Donna O’Neill as varsity football cheerleading adviser, $2,850.

• Wally Hall as head football coach, $5,900.

• Melissa Tenaglia as junior high/junior varsity football cheerleading adviser, $2,150.

• Greg Fisher as head girls’ soccer coach, $3,100.

• Christopher Glessner as head boys’ soccer coach, $2,950.

• Theresa Holman as head volleyball coach, $2,650.

The board also approved these property sales through the county tax claim bureau:

• Private sale of 149 S. Third St., Frackville, on property that has real estate taxes that are delinquent for a period of not less than two years, remaining unredeemed and an offer received. The offer of $10,284.69 was made by Ronald V. Morgan, Frackville.

• Repository sale of 1210 Centre St., Ashland, on $999 bid from Center Street Land Trust, Todd L. Snyder, trustee.

• Repository sale of 720 Brock St., Ashland, on a $250 bid from John P. Grosser, Ashland.

Prior to the regular meeting, the school board held its annual reorganization meeting with all officeholders retained for another year: President Charles “Chaz” Hepler, Vice President Roy Green and Treasurer Mary Anne Woodward. The board also retained Thomas Fletcher as the board’s liaison to the Pennsylvania School Board Association and approved the fixed meeting dates and times in 2019.

Hepler said committee assignments will be made at the 7 p.m. regular meeting Jan. 16. Committee meetings will be at 7 p.m. Jan. 9. The next Committee of the Whole meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. prior to the Jan. 16 meeting.

Contact the writer: jusalis@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6023

POTTSVILLE — The Pottsville Area school board held its reorganization meeting Wednesday and the leadership stayed the same.

Karen Rismiller was voted as the president of the board, while Ann Blankenhorn was voted as the vice president. No other names were mentioned.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, Doug Allen, executive director of Big Impact Group, talked about how the organization wants to bring its services to the school district.

“This is not costing the school district anything,” he said.

About 300 youth are helped through the program, which has provided funding through the United Way, fundraisers and other revenue sources. The high school-based program where students mentor other students in elementary schools is in seven school districts — Blue Mountain, Schuylkill Haven Area, Pine Grove Area, Tri-Valley, Tamaqua Area, Mahanoy Area and North Schuylkill.

The school board voted to start the program in the district as soon as 2019.

Students will have to use their first snow makeup day next month. School was scheduled to be closed Jan. 21 because of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, which had been designated a snow makeup day. Now, students will have to attend classes that day because school was canceled school Nov. 16.

“There won’t be anymore snow makeup days this year,” Superintendent Jeffrey Zwiebel said jokingly.

Other action at the meeting included voting to advertise school board meetings be held the first and third Wednesday of each month in 2019.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

Deeds

Ashland — Ricky L. Jr. and Ann Marie Williard to David A. Locke; 1200 Spruce St.; $49,900.

Blythe Township — Thomas E. and Sandra A. Grady to Juan and Veronica Davila; property on Bobb Alley, Cumbola; $50,000.

Branch Township — Debra Skripko and Cheryl Schultz, individually and as co-executors of the Estate of Kenneth R. Beach, Kenneth Beach, Joseph Beach and Kevin Beach to Joseph T. Beach; 15-17 Shober St., Llewellyn; $1.

East Brunswick Township — Christopher M. and Katrina Eckroth to Christopher M. Eckroth; 2.832-acre property on Summer Valley Road; $1.

John T. Tracy to Eric K. Nelson and Mary K. Smith; 1235 Coventry Road; $335,000.

East Union Township — Melvyn R. and Gail R. Reich, Phylisse and Stephen Cook and Jack and Colleen Reich to Leonardo R. Jr. and Carmina Ramona Nolasco Rivera; Unit 1403 Downstairs, Eagle Rock Estates Townhouses, Eagle Rock; $175,000.

Frackville — Helen L. Craig to Rebecca Driscoll; 427 W. Washington St.; $45,000.

Hubley Township — Christopher R. Gibson to Jonathan E. Kahler; 420 Fearnot Road, Sacramento; $1.

Kline Township — Edward A. and Joann E. Opella to Brian D. and Kim E. Herber; four properties on Kennedy Drive, South McAdoo; $135,000.

RINGTOWN — Officers and members of the Ringtown Valley Fire and Rescue Company honored local businesses for their support of the organization.

The awards were twofold.

Businesses were honored for their assistance and support during a massive fire on March 8 that destroyed several homes in sub-freezing temperatures.

“The Main Street fire on that day was horrific and they opened their businesses and made pizza, provisioned other food and drinks, and provided a warm place to seek shelter for victims and firemen,” Fire Chief Matthew Swartz said.

Recognized for their efforts during the fire were Rentschler’s Ice Cream, Luna Pizza, the Wagon Wheel Bar and Apple Street Deli.

Swartz said that Rentschler’s Ice Cream also served as the command center for fire command until the mobile command vehicle from the Schuylkill County Emergency Management Agency arrived.

Assistant Fire Chief Joseph Gilbert credited each and every one of the businesses for their assistance.

“They didn’t have to do what they did and want them to know it does not go unnoticed,” he said.

In addition to businesses assisting during the massive fire, four businesses were also recognized for their support of the fire company all year round.

Swartz said Creekside Restaurant assists with various fundraising events, Valley Beverage provided a generous donation for the company’s Operation Santa, A&M Notary provides notary services to the company at no cost and Chill Out Ice Cream Parlor and Snack Shop offers assistance when ever asked.

“All these businesses are operated by kind, willing people that do everything for our community,” Swartz said. “That’s why we wanted to show our appreciation.”

Contact the writer: fandruscavage@republicaherald.com; 570-628-6013

Fight nets charges

against 2 children

ELIZABETHVILLE — Two children were charged with harassment by state police at Lykens after an incident in their home that occurred around 3:20 p.m. Oct. 31, police said.

Police said Wednesday that a 12-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl began physically fighting inside their home and that the fight continued onto the porch until the boy ran away.

The charges against the two were filed with Magisterial District Judge Rebecca J. Margerum, Elizabethville, police said.

Ashland

Ashland American Legion Bernard J. Dolan Post 434 is looking for veterans — male and female — from all wars, to join. Regular meetings are at 6 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the post home, Centre and Fifth streets. For more information, call 570-875-0086, 570-205-4079 or 570-590-1666.

Frackville

The Frackville Ministerium Food Bank will be open from 9 to 10 a.m. Dec. 20 for eligible residents of the borough. New applicants will need proof of eligibility — a Frackville borough address. The food bank is located at Zion Lutheran Church; people must use the downstairs entrance by the parking lot on South Beech Street.

Mahanoy City

The Humane Fire Company is having a Christmas cookie and candy sale. The cookie variety includes chocolate chip, Michigan rocks, peanut butter with Hershey Kiss, ricotta cheese and sugar candy. There will also be peanut rolls, peanut butter balls and chocolate-covered pretzels. Orders are due by Saturday with pickups at the firehouse from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 21 and 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 22. Cookies are $8 per dozen and Michigan rocks are $9 per dozen. Peanut rolls and peanut butter balls are $10 a dozen and chocolate-covered pretzels are $7 per dozen. To order or for more information, call 570-773-2223.

Pottsville

Via a Majestic Theater raffle, people will have a chance to win two tickets for the Broadway show “Hamilton” at 3 p.m. Feb. 10 (seats 1 and 2 in Orchestra Row R) plus a $50 gift certificate to Carmine’s. Chances are $50 each and only 200 are available. The drawing will be Saturday. Tickets are available at the Pottsville Area Development Corp. office, 1 S. Second St., from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or at the 209 N. Main St. theater from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday. Upcoming presentations at the theater include “It’s A Wonderful Live” at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, tickets $15 each; the Majestic Singers concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, free admission, and The Jazz Hands at 7 p.m. Dec. 22, tickets $15 each. For more information, call 570-628-4647 or go online to www.majestictheater.net.

Shenandoah

The APPRISE Program of Diakon Community Services is available from 8 a.m. to noon the second Friday of each month at the Shenandoah Senior Community Center, 116 N. Main St. An APPRISE counselor is available for Medicare, extra help, Medicare Savings Program and PACE/PACENET applications. The service is free but appointments are required. For more information, call 570-624-3026.

Shenandoah

In line with a borough ordinance, residents must clear their sidewalks, providing a 36-inch-wide path, within 24 hours of an accumulating snow or ice event. Also, residents may not throw snow onto streets, a practice that is prohibited by the ordinance. People who do not adhere to the requirements can face penalties.

Shenandoah Heights

Officers of the West Mahanoy Township Police Department will participate at 7 a.m. Dec. 18 in Coffee with a Cop at the Shenandoah Heights Fire Company. Police and community members, according to a release, will “come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships and drink coffee.” All community members are invited to attend. The session will go from 7 to 10 a.m. For more information, call 570-462-2360.

William Penn

The William Penn Fire Company, Mount Olive Boulevard (Route 54 just west of Shenandoah) will have a children’s Christmas party at 1 p.m. Sunday for children from the West Mahanoy Township villages of William Penn, Lost Creek, Lost Creek No. 2, Brownsville and Raven Run, company President Rich Stevens said in a release. For more information, email lark4@ptd.net.

DELANO — Delano Township residents won’t have to dig any deeper into their pockets to pay their 2019 tax bills.

Township supervisors recently approved a tentative budget that keeps tax rates at 13.5 mills.

“The last time we had a tax increase was two years ago,” supervisor Jay Ryan said.

Ryan, who is also the township’s secretary/treasurer, expects the board will adopt the budget at its 6 p.m. Monday meeting at the municipal building, 1 Hazle St., Delano.

The $186,748 spending plan is balanced, according to Ryan.

The township has no major projects planned for the upcoming year, but is likely in line to receive grants that will allow for improvements to playgrounds in the villages of Delano and Trenton. If the grants are approved, Ryan said, the township will receive $125,000 for the playgrounds.

In addition, he said, the township typically repairs one street each year. Ryan said it would likely happen in 2019, and estimated that the road work would cost about $20,000.

A McAdoo man charged with threatening President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty Monday to charges filed in connection with other crimes he’s accused of committing while he eluded capture for three months.

Shawn Christy, 27, was indicted by a grand jury in July on four counts for threats he made on Facebook to Trump and Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli. He was on the run until Sept. 21, when he was captured in Ohio.

Prosecutors secured a second, 11-count indictment against Christy last month, including interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle and being a fugitive in possession of a firearm.

Christy pleaded not guilty to all counts at his arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph Saporito. He remains jailed without bail pending his trial, which is scheduled for Feb. 25.

POTTSVILLE — In recent Schuylkill County Court action, President Judge William E. Baldwin accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, the following people:

Kyle T. Burfield, 25, of Minersville; three counts each of possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, two of possession of a controlled substance and one of driving under the influence; 90 days to five years in prison, 12 months consecutive probation, $1,500 fine, $400 in payments to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $150 in payments to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, $50 bench warrant fee, $327 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem, $400 restitution to the Lehigh Valley Health Network and 20 hours community service. Prosecutors withdrew an additional count of possession of drug paraphernalia and a charge of improper tires.

Daniele L. Connolly, 34, of Pottsville; retail theft; 24 months probation consecutive to Bucks County sentence, $50 CJEA payment and $349.99 restitution.

Kaycee A. Drumheller, Zion Grove; retail theft; 12 months probation consecutive to current sentence and $50 CJEA payment.

Michael J. Harley Jr., 29, of Tamaqua; 12 months probation consecutive to his current sentence and $100 SAEF payment.

Lauren E. Hughes, 31, of Hazleton; retail theft; 12 months probation, $100 fine and $50 CJEA payment.

All defendants who were sentenced must pay costs as a part of their sentences.

Contact the writer: pbortner@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6014

James K. Reiley

POTTSVILLE — A Pottsville man charged with assaulting a corrections officer at the Schuylkill County Prison on Nov. 2 waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley.

Juan Antonio Formoso, 22, currently homeless, was arrested by Pottsville police Patrolman Joseph Welsh and charged with one count of felony aggravated assault.

By waiving his right to a preliminary hearing, Formoso will now have to answer to the charge against him in Schuylkill County Court.

Welsh charged Formoso with becoming aggressive with Officer Zachary Broomell and hitting the officer in the face, causing scratches on his face and visible bruising to his left eye.

In a separate case, Formoso waived a charge of retail theft to court as well.

Other court cases included:

Roy E. Hilbert, 55, of 5128 Lincoln Highway, Gap; held for court: theft by deception and receiving stolen property.

Katherine H. Baker, 26, of 804 Griffith St., Philadelphia; waived for court: possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Angel M. Hahn, 23, of 910 W. Race St., Pottsville; dismissed: simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.

Tanya M. Viars, 42, of 110 S. Jackson St., Pottsville; waived for court: defiant trespass.

Nicholas C. Graf, 32, of 450 S. Broad Mountain Ave., Frackville; waived for court: resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, defiant trespass and criminal mischief.

Tina M. Withelder, 51, of 325 Cherry St., Saint Clair; held for court: DUI-controlled substance.

Vincent Meyer, 30, of 320 Valley St., Port Carbon; held for court: retail theft.

Bradley J. Kauffman, 38, of 733 Walnut St., Ashland; waived for court: possession of a controlled substance.

Joshua E. Hernandez, 23, of 816 N. Front St., Rear Apt. 5, Reading; waived for court: theft, receiving stolen property and theft by deception.

Desirae I. Stabley, 20, of 522 Montour Blvd., Lot 37, Bloomsburg; withdrawn: conspiracy. Stabley pleaded guilty to a summary offense and was ordered to pay a fine and court costs.

Anthony W. McHenry, 40, of 1211 Mill St., Bloomsburg; withdrawn: conspiracy. Waived for court: retail theft.

Stacey J. Lash, 53, of 415 Peacock St., Pottsville; waived for court: possession of a small amount of marijuana, DUI, driving an unregistered vehicle, displaying a plate card in an improper vehicle, driving without a license, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked and careless driving.

Jesse K. Brilla, 22, of 124 S. Jackson St., Pottsville; waived for court: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and DUI-controlled substance.

Reuben Perez, 54, of 409A W. Arch St., First Floor, Pottsville; waived for court: DUI and following too closely.

Brittany Lee Schwalm, 22, of 227 Peacock St., Pottsville; held for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Raven L. Negron, 28, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; waived for court: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Colin N. Semanski, 20, of 1304 Mount Hope Ave., Pottsville; waived for court: simple assault and false imprisonment.

Keith A. Nester, 37, of 606 Country Hill Road, Orwigsburg; waived for court: simple assault.

Carlos W. McDermott, 38, of 504 W. Race St., Pottsville; waived for court: simple assault and possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Jason T. Wharton, 37, of 522 Montour Blvd., Lot 37, Bloomsburg; withdrawn: conspiracy.

Robert W. Pruitt Jr., 37, of 212 W. Market St., B, Pottsville; held for court: public drunkenness and disorderly conduct.

Justin M. Mosolino, 31, of 6 N. 12th St., Pottsville; held for court: possession of a controlled substance.

Zakiya L. Jordan, 24, of 420 W. Coal St., Shenandoah; held for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Carlton O. Beckford, 43, of 237 N. Balliet St., Frackville; waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Scott D. Schaeffer, 49, of 110 N. Mill St., Saint Clair; held for court: possession of a controlled substance and public drunkenness.

Iamir L. Thompson, 20, of 305 Nichols St., Pottsville; held for court: loitering and prowling at night.

Stephen J. Bayer

TAMAQUA — A Nesquehoning man charged by Rush Township police with a theft involving a resident at Hometown Nursing & Rehabilitation Center earlier this year waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer.

Michael Andrejco, 33, of 51 S. Catawissa St., Apt. 2, was arrested by Patrolman Bradley Hess and charged with one count of theft by deception.

By waiving his right to a hearing, Andrejco will now have to answer to the charge in Schuylkill County Court.

Hess said Andrejco was given two blank checks by a resident who instructed Andrejco to use one of the checks to buy him a cellphone and bring cash back and the other to pay his bills.

Andrejco did neither of the things he was asked, but instead wrote the checks out to himself in the amounts of $150 and $350 and cashed them, Hess said.

Other court cases included:

Adam J. Coleman, 30, of 116 Walnut St., Box 33, Tuscarora; withdrawn: aggravated assault. Waived for court: simple assault, terroristic threats, harassment, disorderly conduct, public drunkenness and recklessly endangering another person.

Shyann N. Boyer, 24, of 117 W. Columbia St., Schuylkill Haven; withdrawn: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance. Waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kirvi Coradin, 39, of 600 Seybert St., Hazleton; held for court: DUI-controlled substance, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, violating sound levels and no rear lights.

Samuel C. Smolar, 29, of 121 Pitt St., Tamaqua; waived for court: simple assault, strangulation, harassment, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Joseph J. Carroll, 49, of 608 Pine St., Tamaqua; held for court: simple assault and harassment.

Katherine M. Fergel, 33, of 320 Mulberry St., Tuscarora; held for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Nicholas J. D’Angelo, 28, of 307 W. Broad St., Tamaqua; waived for court: burglary, criminal trespass and criminal mischief.

Christine A. Seliga, 47, of 127 E. Maple St., Apt. 1, Hazleton; held for court: false identification to law enforcement, driving a vehicle without insurance and disorderly conduct.

John W. Filer, 55, of 33 N. Railroad St., Tamaqua; waived for court: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Christina E. Hale

FRACKVILLE — A man charged with assaulting a woman using a knife at a home in Butler Township on Nov. 12 waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale.

David A. Cress Jr., 29, of 8 Rappahannock St., Girardville was arrested by Butler Township police Sgt. Eric Vinskie and charged with one count each of possessing instruments of crime, simple assault and harassment.

By waiving his right to a hearing Cress will now have to answer to all three charges in Schuylkill County Court.

Vinskie charged Cress with getting into an argument with Dana N. Lex, 20, at 16 Rapp Road, during which he pushed the woman and then opened a folding pocket knife and tried to force the knife into her hands begging her to kill him.

Vinskie said Lex said the argument began when she told Cress she was done and no longer in love with him.

Other court cases included:

Armand J. Citroni, 31, of 300 Homewood Road, Linthicum, Maryland; withdrawn: public drunkenness, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Robert J. Earls Jr., 45, of 51 S. Spencer St., Frackville; withdrawn: strangulation, simple assault and harassment.

Cassandra D. Duffy, 38, of 125 S. Railroad St., Frackville; waived for court: retail theft and receiving stolen property.

Brian J. Russell Sr., 50, of 9 S. Fourth St., Frackville; withdrawn: simple assault and harassment.

Donna M. Redmond, 58, of 316 Furnace St., Shenandoah; withdrawn: accidents involving damage to attended vehicles or property, disregard for single traffic lane, careless driving and failure to stop and give information or render aid.

Daniel T. Leary, 39, of 1333 Walnut St., Ashland; waived for court: criminal trespass, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and disorderly conduct.

Gary Katalinas, 51, of 1367 S. Church St., Hazleton; waived for court: DUI and DUI-highest rate.

Haley E. Adams, 36, of 306 Preston Ave., Girardville; waived for court: public drunkenness, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Shawna M. Tillman-Zandarski, 27, of 150 W. Ogden St., Girardville; held for court: defiant trespass and criminal attempt to commit theft.

Pottsville BPW ready for party

LLEWELLYN — The Pottsville Business and Professional Woman’s Club will have its monthly meeting and Christmas party at 6:30 p.m. today at the Blu Tavern restaurant.

Entertainment for the holiday party will be by Fitzpatrick.

The club welcomes and encourages anyone who would like to attend, according to a press release.

For more information, call Jaime at 570-691-5516 or Lisa at 570-385-2350.

R&N Railroad appoints two

PORT CLINTON — Reading & Northern Railroad has announced the appointment of Chris Goetz as vice president maintenance of way and Erik Yoder as assistant vice president real estate.

Christina Muller-Levan, vice president administration, made the announcement, according to a company press release, and added that Reading & Northern “has many talented individuals with strong skill sets that are beneficial to numerous departments.” She also praised Goetz’s and Yoder’s “strong leadership capabilities and railroad expertise.”

As vice president of MOW, Goetz will lead the “rapidly growing (MOW) needs of Reading & Northern’s expanding rail system and new development opportunities,” she added, saying Goetz spent several years growing the railroad’s real estate department and has “invaluable railroad and construction knowledge.”

He has been working with the railroad since 2013 when he started in real estate and MOW as a track worker. He later transitioned full time into the real estate department as a project manager overseeing the department’s inspector team and coordinating public projects with outside contractors.

Goetz and his wife, Reena, have two daughters. The live in the Hamburg area.

Prior to working for Reading & Northern, Goetz owned his own construction business as the sole proprietor of CG Custom Builders.

As AVP, Yoder will work with Matthew Johnson, vice president asset management, and Jolene Busher, real estate office manager, “to continue to protect the Reading & Northern’s right of way through the support of the department’s strong inspector team and coordination with public contractors and utilities,” according to the release.

Yoder has been with Reading & Northern since 2011 when he was hired as the MOW administrator. In 2013, he was promoted to AVP MOW and in 2014, he transitioned to the operations department as AVP operations planning. He has a degree from Philadelphia Biblical University, and prior to working at the Reading & Northern he taught sixth grade in the Conrad Weiser School District.

Yoder and his wife, Deborah, have four children.

Reading & Northern is a privately held railroad company serving more than 70 customers in nine eastern Pennsylvania counties including Berks, Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Northumberland, Schuylkill and Wyoming. It handles more than 30,000 carloads of freight and 120,000 excursion train riders over 340 miles of track, according to the release. It operates freight services and steam and diesel-powered excursion passenger services and owns nearly 1,300 freight cars and employs more than 200 people.

For more information, call 610-562-2100 or go online to www.readingnorthern.com.

Business scene on move in Shenandoah

SHENANDOAH — The local business scene has been marked with renovations and an opening.

The Shenandoah Domino’s Pizza outlet at the Boyer’s Market complex in the 600 block of West Centre Street has reopened following a renovation project.

The Shenandoah Burger King along South Main Street has been closed for more than a week as it undergoes an extensive remodeling and renovation project. There was no release on when the popular eatery would reopen.

The long awaited Shenandoah office of Sherry Dental has opened at the southwest corner of East Centre and Bower streets. The site, which also underwent extensive renovation, opened during the latter part of November and is accepting patients.

Columbia farmer elected to board

CAMP HILL — Columbia County farmer Charles Porter has been elected as a new member of Pennsylvania Farm Bureau State Board of Directors representing District 4, which includes farmers from Carbon, Columbia, Luzerne and Schuylkill counties.

Porter, who grows a variety of crops on 300 acres and runs a beef cow/calf operation, has been a farm bureau member for more than 40 years, according to a bureau press release. He has held a variety of positions within the Columbia County Farm Bureau and is currently its first vice president.

Porter has been “a major advocate of farmers engaging with the public through his work on the Agriculture Promotion Committee,” officials said in the release.

He also “played a key role” in the Columbia County receiving a County Activities of Excellence award for its “State of Ag” newspaper columns and represented the Columbia County Farm Bureau during AFBF’s national convention in San Diego, California. Porter has been recognized with Cooperator of the Year awards from both the Penn State Extension and the Columbia County Conservation District.

Porter was nominated by caucuses of county farm bureaus in the 4th District and approved by bureau voting delegates during PFB’s 68th annual meeting in Hershey.

The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau is the state’s largest farm organization, representing farms of every size and commodity across Pennsylvania, according to the release.

Starbuck’s to host Coffee with a Cop

HAMBURG — Starbuck’s Coffee Co., 5 Dave’s Way, will sponsor Coffee with a Cop from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 19.

“Join your neighbors and local state troopers for coffee and conversation,” organizers said in an event flier, adding the session looks toward “building community one cup of coffee at a time.”

There is no formal agenda with speeches, “just a chance to ask questions, voice concerns and get to know the state troopers in your area.”

People will be able to meet troopers from Troop L Hamburg as well as officers from the Hamburg borough and Tilden Township police departments.

For more information, call Trooper Feichtel at 610-562-6885.

Senior opiate symposium set

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — The first Senior Opiate Symposium is scheduled for 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday at Rosewood Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, 401 University Drive.

The event, according to a flier, will benefit people over 50 in recovery. Vendors will attend with resources and information.

According to the flier, addiction among people 65 and older is often underestimated and under-diagnosed, which can prevent them from getting needed help. Discussion also will involve senior alcohol addiction awareness, education and prevention.

Speakers will include Megan Bainbridge, Dr. Rakesh Saraiya and Bill Stauffer. There will be a question/answer session with community resources and speakers, according to the flier.

To RSVP, call 570-385-0557.

Chamber sponsors decorating contest

SHENANDOAH — The Greater Shenandoah Area Chamber of Commerce is again sponsoring the annual residential holiday decoration contest.

Mark J. Bernardyn, co-chairman, said in a release that every year residents take pride in decorating their homes. Co-chairwoman Beth Cataldo and Betty Ann Bugden said residents should keep their lights on for three weeks prior to Christmas for judging.

Winners will be announced and prizes awarded on Dec. 21.

DSI schedules soup sale, concert

SHENANDOAH — The revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc. will have a soup-and-sausage fundraiser sale beginning at 10 a.m. Thursday at the 116 N. Main St. downtown center.

Soup is $6 per quart and $3 per pint; sausage hoagies are $3.50 each.

The soup variety includes pasta fagiole, split pea, chili, New England clam chowder, beef barley, beef vegetable, kielbasa soup and chicken noodle.

All are welcome. To order or for more information, call 570-462-2060.

DSI will sponsor Christmas with the M&J Big Band at 7 p.m. Friday at Shenandoah Valley High School, 805 W. Centre St.

Admission will be free; donations will be gratefully accepted. Call DSI at the aforementioned number for more information.

LionLaunch helps business startups

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — People are being invited to strengthen their business skills by attending “information-packed programs” via Penn State Schuylkill LionLaunch.

LionLaunch will present a comprehensive business plan writing program with Savas Logothetides, owner of Wheel restaurant, Pottsville, and executive director of the Pottsville Area Development Corp. The program will be available in two sessions, 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 4 and 11 at the LionLaunch Innovation Hub, Schuylkill Haven.

Logothetides will “show you step-by-step how to formulate your own business plan starting with the executive summary,” according to the flier. “He will break down each section of a business plan and show you how each of those sections strategically informs another.”

People may register now for $40 by visiting sl.psu.edu/innovationhub.

Other LionLaunch efforts include:

Penn State Schuylkill LionLaunch is part of the university’s statewide initiative, Invent Penn State, aimed at spurring economic growth throughout Pennsylvania, according to a LionLaunch flier.

LionLaunch, with the support of community partners, is helping Schuylkill County entrepreneurs and business professionals find resources and information they need to become successful, according to the release.

So far, LionLaunch has helped start 14 new businesses in Schuylkill County and awarded $47,000 in seed money to entrepreneurs, according to the flier.

Chamber touts

mixers, sessions

POTTSVILLE --- The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce has several upcoming sessions on its agenda. People may register for all chamber programs online at www.schuylkillchamber.com. The chamber and the SEDCO/chamber conference center are at Union Station, 1 Progress Circle, Suite 201, Pottsville, PA 17901.

A session called Find Your Stressor, Achieving Zen in the Workplace, will be held from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Dec. 18 at the SEDCO/chamber conference center with Edy P. Pierre of In Search Innovation. The education seminar is eligible for the Tiers Education Seminar Credit for partner members and higher. The cost is $25 for chamber members and $50 for nonmembers. The reservation deadline is Dec. 14.

The chamber offers a new-member benefit, a human resources helpline that provides “fast, personal help from real live HR professionals,” according to a chamber flier.

Help is available regarding FMLA, ADA or leaves of absence; employee discipline, termination or employee relations; questions about drug testing or harassment, officials said in the flier.

“Call during regular business hours to speak with an HR expert,” according to the flier. The toll-free helpline is 844-318-0699. For after-hours calls, leave a message and the call will be returned the next business day. People may also email questions to HRHelpline@schuylkillchamber.com.

People may register for all chamber programs online at www.schuylkillchamber.com. The chamber and the SEDCO/chamber conference center are at Union Station, 1 Progress Circle, Suite 201, Pottsville, PA 17901.

A program called WEDnetPA is funded by the state Department of Community and Economic Development and administered by Lehigh Carbon Community College, according to a chamber flier.

“You may qualify for WEDnetPA funding if your company is based in Pennsylvania, a manufacturing or a technology-based business,” according to the flier.

Organizations may be eligible to receive up to $450 per person for essential skills training and up to $850 per person for advanced technology training.

For more information, apply to Maureen Donovan, Center for Leadership & Workforce, be emailing to

mdonovan@lccc.edu or calling 570-668-6880 or 610-799-1245.

MAEA sponsors

variety of sessions

POTTSVILLE --- The locally based Northeast Pennsylvania Manufacturers and Employers Association offers a variety of discussions, training sessions and classes. MAEA is based at One Norwegian Plaza, Pottsville.

For more information or to register, email crobbins@nepamaea.com or call 570-622-0992. More information also is available at the MAEA website at www.nepamaea.com.

MAEA now offers Concierge Benefit Services (Telemedicine) through R&B Insurance Services. “Concierge Benefit Services, our Group Plan, would like to review how they can decrease your company healthcare cost,” according to an MAEA flier. For more information call Darlene Robbins at 570-622-0992 or email her at drobbins@nepamaea.com or call Debra Carl of R&B Insurance Services at 570-850-3844 or email debc@rbinsuranceservice.com or Fred Reeder at 570-263-0836 or via email to fredr@rbinsuranceservice.com.

MAEA now also offers recorded webinars with agency instructors creating material to meet specific needs. For more about the service, call Christine Robbins at 570-622-0992 or via email to crobbins@nepamaea.com.

MAEA offers forklift training classroom instruction, which is running and accepting additional participants, according to a release. The effort is approved for six HRCI HR credits and is a prerequisite to be an experienced forklift operator. The cost is $435 for MAEA members and $870 for nonmembers. Use the aforementioned registration methods. The instructor is Steve Bair, occupational safety specialist for MAEA.

Expressions offers

Bake Shop VI items

SHENANDOAH --- Expressions, a thrift/variety store at 114 N. Main St. run by Pottsville-based Avenues, formerly United Cerebral Palsy, is still a satellite location for the sale of products by artisan bread baker Bake Shop VI, Pottsville.

Expressions offers Bake Shop VI’s baked goods and breads.

Expressions’ hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. It also has seasonal weekend hours.

To reach the store, call 570-462-6252 or email shenexpr@avenuesofpa.org.

Tobacco control

for worksites

POTTSVILLE --- Lebanon Family Health Services is offering free tobacco control programs for worksites, according to a member-to-member email from the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, 1 Progress Circle, Suite 201 in Union Station.

LFHS offers free on-site group cessation classes for employees. The Freedom From Smoking class is held for one hour per week for eight weeks and includes nicotine replacement therapy (gum, patch, lozenges) and a certificated upon completion.

It also has a tobacco-free policy development effort to assist with writing a comprehensive tobacco-free policy for companies’ handbooks.

To reach Lebanon Family Health Services, call 717-273-6741, ext. 310 or email to holly@lebanonfamilyhealth.org.

Avenues offers

shredding service

POTTSVILLE --- West Side Shredding is a secure document destruction service “that can supply your company with cost-effective and confidential services while helping individuals with developmental disabilities,” according to a Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce flier heralding the Habilitation Avenues effort.

Avenues, formerly United Cerebral Palsy, works to help people with developmental disabilities.

“We can benefit your company by saving you money, increasing office productivity, maintaining confidentiality and alleviating the costs of purchasing and maintaining a shredder on site,” according to the flier.

The base is at 1755 W. Market St. and Terri Moyer is the production manager who can be reached by calling 570-628-5316 or emailing to tmoyer@avenuesofpa.org.

MAHANOY CITY — A borough man charged with threatening a man and woman with a handgun Monday afternoon was jailed later in the day on weapons and assault charges.

Etienne Barksdale, 34, of 116 E. Pine St., was charged by Mahanoy City police Patrolman Thomas Rentschler with two felony counts each of aggravated assault and possession of firearms prohibited; two misdemeanor counts each of terroristic threats and simple assault; and one misdemeanor count of possessing instruments of crime.

Barksdale was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $100,000 straight cash bail.

Rentschler charged Barksdale for an incident around 4:30 p.m. in the 100 block of East Pine Street.

Rentschler said he was called to the area for a report of a man with a gun holding others at gunpoint.

At the scene, Rentschler said, Anna Fink reported that “Prime,” a name used by Barksdale, pointed a gun at her and her boyfriend — Ian Bradley — and threatened to shoot them.

Barksdale then went into his house and when officers from other departments arrived to assist, the man opened the door and allowed police inside to speak to him.

The man reported returning home from Pottsville and bringing clothes into the home when his “boy” pulled up, and that he went outside to talk to him.

Rentschler said Barksdale continued saying that outside he saw Fink talking to his “boy,” who he would not identify, and that he did not want to speak to him in front of the woman.

Barksdale said that Fink began to disrespect him, prompting him to go into his house where he had a gun. Rentschler said that Barksdale said he again exited the home onto his porch where Fink told him she had called police.

The man told officers he then entered his home again and locked the doors until police arrived.

After hearing the man’s story, Rentschler said, he spoke with Fink who said she was outside talking to a friend when Barksdale came over and called her a derogatory name.

Fink said she said “excuse me” to Barksdale and told him to shut up before she gets Bradley.

At that point, Rentschler said, Fink reported Barksdale said to get him because he is about to punch her in the face.

Fink said she went to her home to get Bradley, telling him what was happening outside. When the two exited, Bradley and Barksdale exchanged words about fighting and Barksdale told Bradley to wait there, Rentschler said.

Rentschler said Bradley reported Barksdale went into his home and returned with a gray and silver handgun, cocked it and pointed it at him and Fink and threatened to shoot the two.

The officer said that Barksdale gave permission to search his house, where police found a Beretta .22-caliber handgun in an upstairs bedroom under loose floor boards.

After being taken into custody, Rentschler said, Barksdale stayed with his story as to the chain of events and also said the weapon found inside his home was there for safety reasons and that it was not his.

Barksdale will now have to answer to the charges against him at a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker in his Shenandoah court.

Contact the writer: fandruscavage@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6013

FOUNTAIN SPRINGS — Santa Claus will be receiving a big bunch of letters from the good boys and girls in the kindergarten classes at North Schuylkill Elementary School thanks to the U.S. Postal Service.

Two postal service employees visited the elementary school on Monday in what is a 35-year tradition to personally accept the letters and wish lists from the children and make sure that they are delivered on time to Santa’s workshop.

Haley Jackson and Rick Fritz of the post offices in Ashland and Girardville, respectively, stopped in at the elementary school at 9:30 a.m. to have a photo taken at the lobby Christmas tree with a child from each of the seven kindergarten classrooms. The next stops were the classrooms, with the first being the classroom of teacher Jamie Swartz, whose students were joined by those from the classrooms of teachers Nancy Kaminsky and Jessica Borden.

Each student had their letter written and sealed inside an envelope.

“We have some very special visitors here who are going to deliver your letters right to the North Pole,” Swartz told the children. “Now, we already addressed the letters to Santa, but we’re missing one important thing. If you’re going to mail a letter, do you know what you have to put on the envelope? A stamp. They have special Santa stamps.”

Jackson and Fritz sat in front of the children and provided each with a Santa Special Delivery stamp. Each child placed the stamp on the envelope and dropped it into a box.

The next stop was a visit with the children in the classrooms of Justene Frushon and Stacie Green. As with all classrooms, the children were pumped and excited about getting their letters specially delivered to Santa. When asked how long will it take for Santa to get the letters, Jackson said, “Two to three business days.”

The third stop was to the children from the classrooms of teachers Angela Potts and Sofia Capone. The students in all classrooms received a candy cane.

The tradition began in 1983 at the former Ashland Area Elementary Center when kindergarten teacher Margaret Bernosky arranged the personalized holiday mail service with her uncle, John “Jack” McCormick, who was the Ashland postmaster. McCormick would visit the school with John Chrin, who was the mail carrier on the route that included the school.

When the Ashland school closed in 2007 and the new elementary school opened that year, the tradition continued with more kindergartners from the Frackville area, and later adding children from the Ringtown area when that school closed. Subsequent Ashland postmasters continued the tradition.

Swartz has been coordinator of the Santa mailing for nine years.

“I’m the kindergarten grade level coordinator, so since I took on that position I have been organizing the mailing of the letters,” Swartz said. “This tradition goes all the way back to Ashland Elementary, and we’ve been lucky enough to carry it on through the years. We’ve had different mail carriers who have come, and we’re so happy that they’re willing to do this for us so we can carry this tradition on. It means so much to the kids to know that their letters are going to the North Pole.”

The excitement of the children is a treat for the teachers each year.

“The enthusiasm is actually contagious,” Swartz said. “Especially at this time of the year, sometimes for adults it’s hard to see the true spirit of Christmas, but when you see the joy on their faces now, it really is contagious.”

Swartz pointed out that Fritz was in kindergarten in 1983 and he mailed a letter back then.

“He actually has a picture of him mailing his letter back in 1983 at the Ashland building,” Swartz said. “He did that so many years ago and now he’s here doing it for us.”

Swartz added that the Ashland post office provided pages with illustrations to color. When the children color them, Swartz will take them to the Ashland office, which will distribute them to all post offices in the school district to hang them in those post offices.

“That’s a new addition that we’re really excited about,” Swartz said. “That was really nice.”

Contact the writer: jusalis@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6023

POTTSVILLE — Matthew Marchalk had a bad feeling when he walked into his dad’s house on Father’s Day 2017, and he testified Monday on the first day of his brother’s homicide trial in Schuylkill County Court that one look at the bedroom confirmed it.

“When I turned the corner, I could see there was blood all over,” a tearful Marchalk said while brother Michael D. Marchalk watched. “(My dad was) on the floor.”

His dad, Gary D. Marchalk, lay dead on the floor, a victim of what police allege was a fearful and fatal beating with a baseball bat by Michael Marchalk, 38, of Barnesville, who watched as prosecutors laid out the case against him.

Michael Marchalk faces charges of first-, second- and third-degree murder, robbery, theft, access device fraud and possessing instrument of crime. His trial, over which President Judge William E. Baldwin is presiding, is scheduled to resume at 9 a.m. today with Deputy Attorney General Rebecca A. Elo, a former county assistant district attorney, and Senior Deputy Attorney General Christopher P. Phillips continuing to present their case to the jury of six men and six women.

State police at Frackville have charged Marchalk with killing Gary Marchalk, a former assistant district attorney whose widow is county Treasurer Linda L. Marchalk, by beating him with a baseball bat on June 18, 2017, at the Ryan Township residence they shared at 21 Pear St., Barnesville.

“Mr. Marchalk sustained blunt force trauma to the head,” forensic pathologist Dr. Samuel Land, Allentown, testified. “The jaw was fractured, The base of the skull was fractured.”

Police said Michael Marchalk had asked for money from his father, who declined to give it to him. Police also allege the two had a difficult relationship.

Police also said Marchalk fled the area after killing his father, taking his wallet, credit cards and gold Ford Fusion automobile. The defendant used his father’s bank cards in Tamaqua, New Tripoli, Fogelsville and Philadelphia before being arrested on June 23, 2017, on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey, according to police.

“You’ll hear it all when I testify,” Michael Marchalk shouted to the media when being escorted from the courtroom.

Matthew Marchalk said he was fearful because his brother had expressed dark thoughts about their father.

“ ‘He’s not going to be a father in death,’ ” was what Michael Marchalk said, according to his brother. “He blamed my dad for our mom’s death. He said my dad had treated my mom poorly, which was a lie.”

To Matthew Marchalk, what he saw confirmed the fears.

“I was hysterical,” he said, telling a neighbor that his brother had killed their father. “I ran out of the house.”

State police Cpl. David Dupree of the Forensic Services Unit showed photographs to the jury displaying the gruesome sights he viewed in Gary Marchalk’s bedroom.

“It mainly shows a significant amount of blood spatter on the bed sheets,” he said of one photo.

Other photos showed blood spatter on an iron, the walls, the pillowcases, a lamp, the headboard and even the ceiling, Dupree said. Most importantly, there was blood on an aluminum baseball bat near the body, he said.

“This is the bat we collected that day,” Dupree said while showing it to jurors. “It appeared to have dried blood on it.”

After Dupree testified, Michael Marchalk told Baldwin he wanted to represent himself, replacing Assistant Public Defender Andrea L. Thompson, but he changed his mind after Baldwin warned him of the possible consequences.

“That’s a real serious chance you’re taking,” the judge said. “There are a lot of disadvantages.”

“I’ll take your advice,” Marchalk said.

Land, who performed the autopsy on Gary Marchalk, testified that blunt force trauma caused his death, which was a homicide.

“These were devastating blows to the head. His head was crushed,” with multiple facial fractures, bruises and lacerations, Land said.

He showed the jury four photos detailing the injuries.

“There’s bruising all on the right side of the head. There is blood caked in his head,” Land said. “His head has been torn in three directions.”

Land also said Gary Marchalk had no medications, drugs or alcohol in his system when autopsied.

Linda Marchalk testified she and her husband were not living together but were scheduled for a counseling session to try to resolve their problems, which she said had centered around his two and her two children. She said they had supported Michael and Matthew.

She also testified she gave information on the house’s security system and her husband’s finances, never authorized any use of his bank cards or automobile, and denied he mistreated Michael.

“Did you ever see a physical altercation?” Phillips asked her.

“No,” she answered.

The prosecuting officer, Trooper Joseph W. Hall, a former Shenandoah police chief, showed jurors numerous photos and videos that he said detailed Michael Marchalk’s flight through Tamaqua, New Tripoli, Fogelsville and Philadelphia.

Hall said the defendant wore a Philadelphia Eagles jersey while filling the car with gasoline at Fegley’s in Tamaqua, withdrawing money from an ATM in New Tripoli (“It shows Michael Marchalk in a gold Ford Fusion,” he said of a photo from the bank ATM), shopping at a Weis in Fogelsville, withdrawing money from another ATM in Philadelphia and walking in a bus terminal in that city.

Furthermore, Hall said, records from the Pennsylvania Turnpike commissioner show that the Ford Fusion entered the toll road at the Lehigh Valley interchange near Allentown and left it at the Mid-County interchange at Plymouth Meeting in Montgomery County.

Hall also showed a video from Resorts Casino Hotel, Atlantic City, that showed Michael Marchalk entering it. Police ended up arresting him on June 23, 2017, in that oceanside city.

The only other prosecution witness to testify on Monday, attorney Jonathan P. Phillips, said he had seen Gary Marchalk earlier on the day he died and that he did not appear intoxicated.

Contact the writer: pbortner@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6014

TOWER CITY — Williams Valley teachers will receive pay raises in a three-year deal the union struck with the school board Thursday.

The school board, by a 7-1 vote, approved $1,750 salary hikes in each of the three years of the collective bargaining agreement with the Williams Valley Education Association. The pact runs from July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2022, for the 96-member union.

Director Tracey Minnich cast the only dissenting vote, while board member Tedd Johns was absent.

Superintendent Diane M. Niederriter said the teachers’ benefit package remained unchanged, including any health care co-pays. The current agreement was set to expire June 30, 2019, and had the same salary increase as the new deal.

Two students were honored Thursday for their academic achievement. The board presented certificates to Spencer Dimon and Emily Ferraro who both scored over 1,200 on their SAT standardized tests.

In other business, girls’ soccer coach Gary Fetterhoff and boys’ soccer coach Seth Shuey provided their end-of-season reports and shared accolades for their respective players. Although their bench lacked depth with 15 players, the girls finished 12-8, were second place in their division and were fourth-seeded in District 11. The boys finished 17-4, and won their third straight division championship. In the district playoffs, the Vikings lost to Notre Dame-East Stroudsburg.

Renee Fetterhoff presented information about a Safety Fair she’d like to host in the district, possibly in March. She’d like to involve school organizations, state police, emergency services and ambulance staff. She’d also like to have guests that could speak on suicide prevention, gun safety, self defense, LGBTQ awareness, nutrition and foster children, among other topics. The board asked that she submit a rental request form for facility use so the board could consider her request.

In other action at the board’s reorganization meeting, the board re-appointed Daniel Stroup as board president and John Mika as vice president for one-year terms.

The board held two executive sessions to discuss personnel and legal matters.

The following dates were approved for 2019 school board meetings at 7:30 p.m. in the district office in Tower City: Jan. 10 and 24, Feb. 14 and 28, March 14 and 28, April 11 and 25, May 9 and 23, June 13 and 27, July 11 and 25, Aug. 8 and 22, Sept. 12 and 26, Oct. 10 and 24, Nov. 14 and Dec. 5.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

POTTSVILLE — Dogs could have their own designated place to play in the city.

Scott Greis, owner of Heaven & Earth Salon and Spa, proposed a dog park to the city council at its meeting on Monday.

“We can do a world-class dog park,” Greis said. “I think it would be a beautiful thing for our city to do this, and we could be leaders, and it could be world class, and we could be the first ones to do it and do it right.”

The council seemed receptive to the idea.

“Absolutely,” Mayor James T. Muldowney said.

“Scott, I think it is wonderful idea,” Councilwoman Dorothy “Dottie” Botto said.

“It’s another attraction that we could add to the city,” she said.

City Councilman Mark Atkinson also agreed it could be a positive asset to the city, adding it could help people and dogs get exercise.

City Administrator Thomas A. Palamar said a dog park is a real possibility.

“I think it’s very likely,” he said.

A suitable location would need to be found, he said. The first step would be for residents to form a dog park committee.

Afterward, Muldowney said he thought the dog park was a “good idea with the proper location,” but involvement from the community is also important.

Greis and Palamar mentioned an area near the Peacock Street Playground, but nothing is final.

Other business discussed at the meeting included Schuylkill County Emergency Management Agency Director John Matz presenting Joe Spotts, city emergency management agency coordinator, with a certification for completing training.

“The position of emergency management coordinator on the municipal level is very important, particularly this year,” Matz said with the flooding in the county.

He said it’s important to recognize the contributions of those willing to serve.

Blight and the Mahantongo Parking garage project were briefly mentioned.

Palamar presented a blight update to the council where he talked about the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Pottsville and the redevelopment that is planned for area. The information was presented at last month’s redevelopment meeting.

Relating to the parking garage project, the city council passed a resolution authorizing the city to issue bonds in the amount of $5,014,500. Palamar said the action was a requirement of the United States Department of Agriculture. The city got a $5 million loan from the USDA for the parking garage earlier in the year.

The council also passed an ordinance that states there are seven part-time assistant fire chiefs. Pottsville Fire Chief James E. Misstishin Sr. said previously the change will help out with the shift rotation of fire chiefs and response to emergencies in the city.

Contact the writer: amarchiano@republicanherald.com 570-628-6028

SCRANTON — A federal grand jury issued another indictment against a McAdoo man accused of threatening President Donald Trump, charging him with transporting a stolen truck from Pennsylvania to New York.

The indictment, filed Tuesday, charges Shawn Christy, 27, with interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle in connection with the theft of a 2002 Ford F-350 pickup between July 7 and 8. The indictment does not identify where the theft occurred.

The indictment is the third filed against Christy, who now faces 12 charges related to threats against Trump that were posted on Facebook and other crimes he’s accused of committing while he eluded capture.

Christy was originally indicted in July on four counts. He fled the area and was captured on Sept. 21 in Ohio.

Contact the writer: tbesecker@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9137

POTTSVILLE — Five fire companies in Schuylkill County each received $2,000 from AAA of Schuylkill County for losses they sustained during the summer flooding.

Good Intent Fire Company, Llewellyn, Tremont Fire Company, Tremont, North End and Hose Hook & Ladder, Pine Grove, and the Port Carbon Fire Department, Port Carbon, received the checks Tuesday at the AAA office in the city.

Steve Lindemann, president of AAA of Schuylkill County, said each year the board gives out money for worthy causes. Last year, a donation was made to victims of the flooding in Houston and Florida.

“The (AAA) board realized how important volunteer fire companies are. It’s a way to give back,” John Levkulic, board member, said.

Firefighters said they were thankful for the assistance.

“This is a huge help,” Lee Strubhar, deputy fire chief of North End Fire Company, said.

The money will likely go for fuel that was used to keep the fire trucks running during the flooding or maintenance for equipment.

“We used many resources during the flood,” he said.

He said the firefighters were as prepared as they could be against the onslaught of the water.

“You’re not going to win. All you can do is keep everybody alive,” Strubhar said.

The fire company usually responds to very few calls for flooding each year, a number was not provided. However, this year, they had 60 to 80 calls because of the unusually wet summer.

Shelby Sattizahn, a lieutenant with HH&L Fire Company, said the money will be used for the water rescue team. He said some of the suits the members wear were damaged. Firefighters tried to do their job to keep the community safe and protect lives as best they could.

“Once that water comes up, you’re isolated, the town is isolated,” Sattizahn said.

John Kohr, a member of Tremont Fire Company and captain of the fire police, said the money will be used for equipment. He hoped that the flooding that took place this year does not occur again, but realizes that might be too optimistic

Mike Pothering, chief of Good Intent, said the money is a nice gift for the holidays.

“This is helping us tremendously,” he said of the money that will go into the general fund for the fire company.

The fire company helped other communities during the flooding and even had to get four new portable pumps, which cost about $300 each, because of heavy use during the flooding.

Like other fire companies, they were busy and “got sleep between the rain drops.”

Mike Welsh, fire chief of Port Carbon, the fire department lost two 500 gallon a minute pumps and had to replace them, costing about $1,200 a piece. There was also other damage to borough owned property. Flood insurance paid for some of the cost of the damage. Firefighters responded to “well over 100 pump details,” he said.

“You’re not going to stop water. It goes where it wants to go,” Welsh said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

ASHLAND — It is better late than never when it comes to the Ashland community Christmas tree as the symbol of the holiday season was erected and decorated Sunday.

The Ashland Area Rotary Club sponsors the tree each year as it also holds the annual Christmas parade with the arrival of Santa Claus on the weekend after Thanksgiving Day to visit with children and light the tree. This year, the tree was not there.

Rotarian Jerome Schmoltze, chairman of the annual Christmas tree project, said the November snowstorm threw a monkey-wrench into the plans of having a Christmas tree placed, decorated and lighted for Thanksgiving Day weekend.

“We had problems this year,” Schmoltze said at Centre Street and Hoffman Boulevard on Sunday. “We were supposed to get it the weekend of the snowstorm, but PPL got called out for storm duty. And I’m sure hunting season also was part of the matter.”

In the past, PPL Electric Utilities Inc. had assisted in delivering a tree and raising it. The Rotary club, as the Kiwanis Club of Ashland had done, asked area residents to donate a tree for the community. The Kiwanis Club had sponsored both the tree and parade, but when it disbanded, the Rotarians picked up the project.

Schmoltze said a large evergreen had been donated. PPL donates the use of two trucks to get the tree to Ashland and placing it. However, the equipment must be operated by company employees, but they must be volunteers.

“So between getting volunteers and all the things that came up, like the storm and hunting season, it was difficult,” Schmoltze said.

Other circumstances, such as the snowstorm and water main breaks, caused the Christmas decorations on the main streets to be delayed in being placed by the borough street employees. The decorations are a project of the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce.

The large evergreen that was going to be used was from Germanville, and Schmoltze said there were two other offers of trees. Most of the donated trees range in height from 25 to 30 feet.

“We needed a special truck to get it, and we couldn’t get an operator for that truck, so we couldn’t use it,” Schmoltze said.

So, without the ability to deliver and place the large donated tree, the Rotary decided to purchase a smaller, 14-foot tree from Ponduce Farms in Elysburg.

Schmoltze was able to deliver the tree in his pickup truck, and with the help of volunteers, pulled it from the truck.

The next step was adjusting the size of the hole in the ground to fit the smaller tree. A permanent hole in front of the veterans memorial was installed several years ago to accommodate a large tree that was also deep enough to prevent the tree from falling over, like it had in recent years due to high winds.

Volunteers David Hampton, David Fickinger, Ken Birster, Schmoltze and a few others placed the tree, with Hampton hammering in wood pieces to shore up the tree to keep it secure and level. While the work was being done, Frank Birster of the Ashland Fire Police provided traffic safety for the volunteers.

Once the tree was placed, members of the Washington Fire Company and Community Ambulance arrived to volunteer their time in putting up the LED lights and finishing the top with a bow and ribbon. Since the tree was much smaller than usual, the star normally placed on top could not be used because it is too heavy for the tree.

Contact the writer: jusalis@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6023